Practice 3: Overloads for goals

WHY USE IT

This practice is similar to the game and still provides attacking players with an overload so they get plenty of opportunities to shoot.

SET UP

Pitch size should be relevant for your players, while also providing them with the encouragement to shoot as early as possible. Split the pitch in half with three defenders locked in each, while the four attackers are free to go anywhere. There is a goal at each end, with goalkeepers.

HOW TO PLAY

Play starts with a goalkeeper playing the ball to the four attackers, who then look to score in the opposite goal. The three defenders in the half where the practice starts are not active. Once the attack is over, the attackers collect a ball from the goalkeeper they were attempting to score past and attack the opposite goal. The practice continues in this manner. If the defenders win the ball, they look to pass to the other group of defenders who then look to score in the goal in their half of the pitch.

COACHING POINTS

Focus remains on creating opportunities to shoot. The main purpose of the session is to give players the confidence to shoot, rather than pass the responsibility to a team-mate. Once they have that, the focus can move onto the ‘how’.